Great report, story and photos. Thanks very much for posting it here on NE.

I know for my first safari I enjoyed talking to the "crew". It is interesting what they have to say, about their lives etc. Sometimes though they are under "orders" not to talk much or about various subjects. And of course sometimes they don't speak much English so can't converse much. But the whole crew is what makes a safari successful and special. From the cooks and waiters, to the skinners, especially the trackers, to the appy Ph's, camera man to the PH himself. Even the game scouts whom are usually gov't men, they usually pitch in and do their bit too. Makes giving everyone a gift or tip at the end of the hunt more rewarding too.

A couple of nice rifles you have there and also great calibres for your hunt. The .400 for the serious stuff. And a 9.3mm which will double for the double if needed too. Good choices. And both Heym's, good rifles.

It is also really good your objectives. To hunt in close, for a mature buffalo and also for a tuskless elephant. I reckon you made a wise decision to go for the ele on day 2. What a bummer it would have been if you turned it down and then missed out! I know what you mean though about it only being day 2. One wants to hunt and enjoy the hunt, not just add a trophy to the wall, and the more hunting the better! But you got some more ele "hunting" in anyway. Turned out to be another tuskless cow though.

Thanks very much for posting an enjoyable story.